Turret cover stand

ABSTRACT

Implementations of a turret cover stand are provided. In some implementations, the turret cover stand comprises a hub, a plurality of legs or uprights, and a corresponding plurality of end caps or end plugs. 
     In some implementations, a method of using the turret cover stand comprises positioning the turret cover stand over a turret of a military vehicle and placing a tarp over the turret cover stand to cover the turret of the military vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a turret cover stand.

BACKGROUND

Military vehicles, such as mine-resistant ambush-protected military vehicles (“MRAPs”), have one or more gun turrets or similar openings. The turrets are covered by a tarp or other canopy cover, for example when the vehicles are not in use, to keep out rainwater and other elements. However, the tarps or other canopy covers used to cover the turrets often hold or pool rainwater that eventually leaks into the vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an implementation of an example turret cover stand according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of example unassembled components of the turret cover stand of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an implementation of an example central hub of the turret cover stand of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 4 illustrates an implementation of an example end cap or end plug of the turret cover stand of FIGS. 1A-1C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a turret cover stand are provided. In some implementations, the turret cover stand comprises a hub (or “central hub”), a plurality of legs or uprights, and a corresponding plurality of end caps or end plugs.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to support a tarp or other canopy cover to cover a turret, such as a gun turret, of a mine-resistant ambush-protected military vehicle (“MRAP”).

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to support a tarp or other canopy cover to cover any other suitable opening of an MRAP.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to support a tarp or other canopy cover to cover a turret of any other suitable military vehicle.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to support a tarp or other canopy cover to cover any other suitable opening of any other suitable military vehicle.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to support a tarp or other canopy cover to keeps its shape and not collapse under the weight of water from rain.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to support a tarp or other canopy cover to elevate the tarp above a turret or similar opening to shed rainwater or other elements, such as snow or debris, off of the tarp and prevent the rainwater or other elements from pooling on the tarp or leaking into an MRAP or other military.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to provide protection in four directions.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to be durable. In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to not rust.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to be sturdy. In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to be heavy duty.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to have a small storage size to consume relatively little storage space in an MRAP or other military vehicle.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to be easy to assemble and disassemble.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to be assembled or disassembled by hand or with a screwdriver.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand is configured to be easily and quickly deployed.

In some implementations, an example use of the turret cover stand comprises positioning the turret cover stand over a turret of a military vehicle and placing a tarp over the turret cover stand to cover the turret of the military vehicle.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an implementation of an example turret cover stand 100 according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of example unassembled components 200 of the turret cover stand 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an implementation of an example central hub 100 b of the turret cover stand 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 4 illustrates an implementation of an example end cap 100 c of the turret cover stand 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C.

As shown for example in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2, in some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises a plurality of legs or uprights 100 a, a hub (or “central hub”) 100 b, and a plurality of end caps or end plugs 100 c.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises four legs 100 a. In some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises more than four legs. In some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises less than four legs.

In some implementations, the legs 100 a are cylindrical, such as tubular or solid. In some implementations, the legs 100 a are any other suitable shape.

In some implementations, the legs 100 a extend up vertically from a lower end 100 a 1, bend or curve inward, and extend horizontally to connect to the central hub 100 b at an upper end 100 a 2.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises four end caps 100 c corresponding to the four legs 100 a respectively.

In some implementations, each end cap 100 c attaches to the lower end 100 a 1 of each leg 100 a respectively.

As shown for example in FIGS. 3A-3C, in some implementations, the central hub 100 b is a ring-shaped plate.

In some implementations, the central hub 100 b comprises round, smooth edges that will not tear a tarp or other canopy cover.

In some implementations, such tarp is waterproof, water resistant, or otherwise configured to prevent rainwater or other moisture from permeating or otherwise passing through it.

As shown for example in FIGS. 1A-1C and 3A, in some implementations, the central hub 100 b comprises a plurality of sleeves 100 b 1. In some implementations, the central hub 100 b comprises four sleeves 100 b 1 corresponding to the four legs 100 a respectively.

In some implementations, the sleeves 100 b 1 are attached to a downward-facing surface 100 b 2 of the central hub 100 b. In some implementations, the sleeves 100 b 1 are attached evenly or equally spaced around the downward-facing surface 100 b 2.

In some implementations, the downward-facing surface 100 b 2 is a downward facing radially extending bottom surface of the hub 100 b.

In some implementations, an upward facing radially extending top surface of the hub 100 b is opposite the downward-facing surface 100 b 2.

In some implementations, the sleeves 100 b 1 are attached extending radially across the downward-facing surface 100 b 2 of the central hub 100 b with respect to the ring-shape.

In some implementations, the sleeves 100 b 1 are configured for the legs 100 a to be inserted into the sleeves 100 b 1.

As shown for example in FIG. 3A, in some implementations, each sleeve 100 b 1 comprises a screw or setscrew 100 b 1 a. In some implementations, the screw 100 b 1 a is configured to secure a leg 100 a within a respective sleeve 100 b 1 to thereby attach the leg 100 a to the central hub 100 b.

In some implementations, the screw 100 b 1 a is any suitable type or configuration of screw.

As shown for example in FIG. 4, in some implementations, each end cap 100 c is configured to fit over the lower end 100 a 1 of each leg 100 a respectively.

In some implementations, the end cap 100 c is a non-slip non-scratch tubular end cap.

In some implementations, the end cap 100 c is configured to prevent the lower end 100 a 1 of the leg 100 a from scratching a surface, such as the surface surrounding a turret, such as a gun turret, of an MRAP or other military vehicle.

In some implementations, the end cap 100 c is configured to provide friction between the lower end 100 a 1 of the leg 100 a and a surface, such as the surface surrounding a turret of an MRAP or other military vehicle, whereby the lower end 100 a 1 does not slip or slide when positioned on the surface.

In some implementations, the end cap 100 c may be an end plug or any other suitable end attachment allowing non-scratch, non-slip, and non-slide surface contact by the lower end 100 a 1 of the leg 100 a.

As shown for example in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the unassembled components 200 of the turret cover stand 100 comprise the legs 100 a with the end caps 100 c attached and the central hub 100 b.

In some implementations, the unassembled components 200 of the turret cover stand 100 are configured to have a small storage size.

In some implementations, the unassembled components 200 of the turret cover stand 100 are configured to consume relatively little storage space in an MRAP or other military vehicle.

In some implementations, the legs 100 a comprise a diameter of 0.5 inch. In some implementations, the legs 100 a comprise any other suitable diameter.

In some implementations, the central hub 100 b comprises an outer diameter of 3.5 inches. In some implementations, the central hub 100 b comprises any other suitable outer diameter.

In some implementations, the sleeves 100 b 1 comprise a length of 0.75 inch. In some implementations, the sleeves 100 b 1 comprise any other suitable length.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises an overall height of 35.25 inches and an overall width of 14 inches. In some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises any other suitable overall dimensions.

In some implementations, the components of the turret cover stand 100 comprise any other suitable dimensions.

In some implementations, the turret cover stand 100 comprises any other suitable dimensions.

In some implementations, the legs 100 a of the turret cover stand 100 are composed of galvanized steel tubing.

In some implementations, the legs 100 a are composed of electrical metallic tubing (EMT) conduit. In some implementations, the legs 100 a are composed of any other suitable material.

In some implementations, the central hub 100 b of the turret cover stand 100 is composed of galvanized steel. In some implementations, the central hub 100 b is composed of any other suitable material.

In some implementations, the end caps 100 c of the turret cover stand 100 are composed of rubber.

In some implementations, the end caps 100 c are composed of plastic. In some implementations, the end caps 100 c are composed of any other suitable material.

In some implementations, the components of the turret cover stand 100 are composed of any other suitable materials.

In some implementations, the components of the turret cover stand 100 can have any suitable appearance.

In some implementations, an example use of the turret cover stand 100 comprises positioning the turret cover stand 100 over a turret of a military vehicle with the end caps 100 c on the surface of the military vehicle and placing a tarp on the turret cover stand 100 positioned over the central hub 100 b to cover the turret of the military vehicle.

In some implementations, the example use of the turret cover stand 100 further comprises assembling the turret cover stand 100 by inserting the upper end 100 a 2 of each leg 100 a into each sleeve 100 b 1 respectively and tightening the screw 100 b 1 a of each sleeve 100 b 1 to secure each inserted leg 100 a.

In some implementations, the example use of the turret cover stand 100 further comprises disassembling the turret cover stand 100 by loosening the screw 100 b 1 a of each sleeve 100 b 1 to release each inserted leg 100 a and removing the upper end 100 a 2 of each leg 100 a from each sleeve 100 b 1 respectively.

The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of the turret cover stand.

Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. 

1. A turret cover stand for supporting tarps over military vehicle gun turret openings, comprising: a hub comprising: a ring shaped plate having an upward facing radially extending top surface and a downward facing radially extending bottom surface; and four tubular shaped sleeves attached to the bottom surface of the plate so that an opening through each sleeve extends radially with respect to the bottom surface of the plate and the sleeves are evenly spaced apart; four cylindrical shaped legs, wherein: each leg extends up vertically from a lower end, bends, and extends horizontally to an upper end; and the upper end of each leg extends respectively into the opening through each sleeve whereby each leg is attached respectively to the hub; and four non-slip non-scratch tubular end caps, wherein each end cap is attached respectively to the lower end of each leg whereby the lower end of each leg has a non-slip non-scratch surface that does not scratch, slip, or slide on a surface upon which the turret cover stand is positioned; wherein: the turret cover stand is positionable over a gun turret opening of a military vehicle whereby the lower end of each leg positions on the military vehicle adjacent to the gun turret opening and the hub positions over the gun turret opening by the legs; the turret cover stand can support a tarp that is placed on the turret cover stand over the hub and the legs to thereby elevate the tarp above the gun turret opening to shed rainwater off of the tarp and prevent the rainwater from pooling on the tarp or leaking into the military vehicle through the gun turret opening.
 2. The turret cover stand of claim 1, wherein each leg is removably attached respectively to the hub so that the turret stand can be disassembled to and assembled from the hub and the legs with the end caps attached.
 3. The turret cover stand of claim 1, wherein the military vehicle is a mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) military vehicle.
 4. A method of using the turret cover stand of claim 1, comprising: positioning the turret cover stand over the gun turret opening of the military vehicle whereby the lower end of each leg is positioned on the military vehicle adjacent to the gun turret opening and the hub is positioned over the gun turret opening by the legs; and placing the tarp on the turret cover stand over the hub and the legs to thereby elevate the tarp above the gun turret opening to shed the rainwater off of the tarp and prevent the rainwater from pooling on the tarp or leaking into the military vehicle through the gun turret opening. 